Kogi Governor Ododo Grants Pardon to 101 Inmates

On October 1, 2026, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced the pardon of 101 inmates as part of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations. In his address, he stated that the decision was influenced by factors such as rehabilitation, remorse, humanitarian circumstances, public interest, and justice.

Of the 101 inmates, 94 were granted mercy, while seven had their sentences remitted. This initiative followed recommendations from the Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which Ododo inaugurated on September 2, 2026.

The council, chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, reviewed case records and correctional reports. Factors considered included age, health, nature of offences, time served, conduct in custody, and community support.

Notable beneficiaries included 91-year-old Lamidi Mohammed Garuba and 72-year-old Ajagbonna Olufemi David. Ododo emphasized that the pardons do not lessen the seriousness of the offences and called for collective efforts to combat crime in the state.